NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE 

 ORNITHOLOGIST. 



To the Honorable Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture. 



Gentlemen: — The interest in birds, in their utility and in 

 the means for attracting and protecting them grows constantly; 

 therefore the year has been marked by increased demands on 

 the State Ornithologist, and it is no longer possible for any one 

 man to meet those demands. During the year much necessary 

 work was begun that could not be finished, and much more had 

 to be deferred. 



Work of the Year. 



Much time has been taken in replying to correspondents who 

 want to know many things, ranging from how long different 

 species of birds live to how many birds there are in the world. 

 All questions are willingly and cheerfully answered whenever an 

 accurate answer is possible. Individuals, municipal, school or 

 college authorities and park commissioners apply in numbers for 

 advice regarding the best means of attracting birds to home, 

 college, school or park grounds. This usually requires a visit to 

 the grounds, personal inspection and advice and often a written 

 report. 



Much information regarding the distribution of Massachusetts 

 birds has been secured during the year by personal investigation 

 and through correspondence. 



Publications of the Year. 



• Special Report. 

 Mar. 31. A History of the Game Birds, Wild Fowl and Shore Birds of 

 Massachusetts and Adjacent States, 621 pages. Illustrated 

 with colored frontispiece, 36 half-tone plates and 114 line 

 cuts. Second edition, revised and enlarged. This was 

 noted as "in press" in the last annual report of the State 

 Ornithologist. 



